Sergeant House

Introduction

Sergeant House, tucked away behind walled gardens, is a Sri Lanka villa of exceptional value – and rare for the beach resort of Unawatuna where small beachside guesthouses and mid-range hotels are the norm. It consists of two pavilions and a 19C southern bungalow which was originally built for a police sergeant. The present owner has retained the original Dutch period architecture in the bungalow and extended similar features to the newly-added pavilions. The result is a wonderful holiday retreat which is widely praised. Courtyards, terraces, and verandahs merge with gardens that attract many birds and the odd monkey. Interiors have Dutch period antiques, plush sofas, hand-carved screens, and original art from India and the Orient. Relax by the swimming pool, or take a stroll to Unawatuna beach. Sergeant House can be rented as a whole or in part. The entire property can accommodate up to 11 guests.

Accommodation

All rooms and suites open on to private terraces or balconies with gardens.

Sergeant's Bungalow: This is a refurbished colonial period villa with wooden floors and staircase, trellised windows, a private garden and a separate entrance from the main road. There are three bedrooms that can accommodate up to seven guests. The ensuite master bedroom is on the ground floor and is furnished with a four-poster king-sized bed. The upper floor has two loft bedrooms. One is ensuite and furnished with a queen-sized bed. The second loft room has a queen and single bed and shares a bathroom with the other loft room or has access to the bathroom on the ground floor living area. The ground floor has a sitting room equipped with satellite TV, DVD player, collection of movies, and a library. The Sergeant’s Bungalow is rented as a whole villa.

Pool Side Pavilion: Situated closer to the main entrance, this spacious suite has two verandahs with one opening out to the swimming pool and the other on to the gardens and lotus filled pond. The bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, wardrobe, and writing desk. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fan, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facility, and electronic safe. Ensuite bathroom has a h/w shower.

Long View Pavilion: Situated on the upper floor of the main lounge and dining pavilion and reached via a series of steps, this suite opens out to a private balcony with views across the gardens and coconut palms. This large suite has a bedroom furnished with a super our-poster king-sized f bed, wardrobe, lounges, and writing desk. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fan, satellite TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi and safe. This suite also has a small kitchenette equipped with tea/coffee facility, microwave oven, and small fridge. The well designed ensuite bathroom has a bath and h/w shower.

The Cave: This compact, cosy room is built into the original ancient mud and stone wall structure. The room is furnished with two single beds: one in the ground floor and the other in the loft space, a writing desk and chair and safe. In room facilities include A/C, overhead fans, tea service, Wi-Fi, CD player and cable television. The bathroom has a separate walk-in shower, polished terrazzo walls.

Facilities

Relax at the ambalama by the poolside. There is a massage and steam room where guests can immerse in Ayurvedic massages; a small gym equipped with a cross trainer, multi-gym machine, and yoga mats; a 20m lap pool as well as infinity swimming pool with garden views, and outdoor Jacuzzi. Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served and the in-house chef is happy to conduct Sri Lankan cookery lessons. Sergeant House is just a short stroll across the road from the beach cafes and restaurants of Unawatuna Bay.

Why We Like It

This thriving old-style villa has really imaginative public areas and crams a surprising amount of greenery into its convenient location.

Location

Sergeant House is immersed in lush tropical gardens in Unawatuna on the Galle Coast. Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort is only 15 minutes away. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours via the Southern highway or take the air taxi to Koggala lake. If you are heading into the hills afterwards, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service from Koggala lake to Hatton.